Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series for the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, October 3, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field. The Yankees announced the choice after sweeping Boston in the Wild Card Series.
When and where is Yankees vs. Rays Game 1?
MLB’s pregame listing gives the matchup a 6:30 p.m. ET start on Saturday, October 3, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The game is scheduled for TBS, truTV and HBO Max; UniMás is listed for Spanish-language television coverage, and ESPN Radio for national radio coverage. Because this is a same-day schedule, check the MLB Game 1 preview for any changes.
Why is Cole starting instead of Carlos Rodón?
Cole had been lined up to start Game 3 against Boston, but New York’s two-game sweep meant that start never happened. Manager Aaron Boone said Cole was then positioned for the ALDS opener and that the choice was easy. Rodón was the alternate Game 1 option in the scenario where Cole pitched against Boston; Boone also said the Yankees considered Rodón for multiple possible games. The published explanation is about the rotation plan, not proof of a statistical matchup calculation.
MLB reported Rodón as lined up for Game 3 or Game 4 at Yankee Stadium, while the Game 1 preview said the Yankees planned to start Cam Schlittler in Game 2. Those are plans, not completed starts.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What Cole brings after Tommy John surgery
Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025 and made his 2026 season debut on May 22. MLB reported his regular-season line as a 10-9 record, a 3.61 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 127 innings across 22 starts. The numbers describe his return season; they do not establish that he has fully regained his pre-surgery form.
This will be Cole’s 23rd career postseason appearance, all of them starts, and his first October outing since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. MLB reported a 2.93 ERA across his 12 career playoff starts with the Yankees. Cole said, “Considering coming back from surgery, there’s not much more I could ask for. I feel tremendously blessed.”
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How Cole and Rasmussen have fared against each other’s teams
The Rays’ Game 1 starter is right-hander Drew Rasmussen. MLB reported his 2026 ERA at 2.67, describing it as seventh-lowest among qualified starting pitchers; its game preview also ranked that ERA fourth among American League pitchers. These rankings use the respective source’s stated comparison groups.
Cole’s 2026 results against Tampa Bay offer one point of context, not a forecast. MLB reported that he allowed three runs or fewer in each of his three starts against the Rays and won his September 23 start, when the Yankees beat Tampa Bay 9-2. CBS Sports/RotoWire calculated those three starts as 18 innings with a 2.50 ERA and a 16:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Separately, MLB’s preview put Cole’s last six starts against Tampa Bay at 4-1 with a 2.09 ERA over 38 2/3 innings. Across his career, MLB reported a 3.33 ERA in 23 starts against the Rays, the most starts he has made against any one team. The six-start and career totals are different sample windows from the 2026 three-start figures.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
One matchup statistic from CBS Sports/RotoWire adds a platoon angle: the outlet ranked Tampa Bay fourth in OPS against right-handed pitching and 25th against left-handers in 2026. That is the outlet’s season split, not a stated reason for New York’s starter selection. The published numbers provide context for the matchup, but do not determine what will happen in Game 1.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Cole and Rasmussen said about the matchup
Cole described Tampa Bay as “a complete lineup from top to bottom.” Rasmussen said games against New York tend to be close: “Shoot, I feel like every time we play them, it’s a tight game — it’s a dogfight,” followed by, “I’d say that’s probably what should be expected.” On returning to the postseason, Cole said, “When you get to playoff baseball, you just want to be in there as much as possible.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
